LOUISVILLE – The St. Lawrence River Valley Redevelopment Agency is looking for projects to fund through its community development program.

River Valley Redevelopment Agency  Chairman Robert McNeil said the program has been a boon to the county.

 “The Community Development and Environmental Improvement Program has awarded over $4.3 million in funding over the past ten years for a variety of projects throughout St. Lawrence County. This unique local program has supported many community organizations, attractions, and initiatives.”

Eligible applicants include communities and not-for-profit organizations in St. Lawrence County are planning to undertake a project that will provide a clear and demonstrable economic, community, or environmental benefit. Applications are due by 3:00 PM on April 15, 2024.

The RVRDA has allocated up to $100,000 for this year’s program. There is no minimum application amount, but the maximum that may be applied for is $20,000 though the RVRDA retains the discretion to make exceptions to this maximum if it determines that the circumstances warrant.

Wehn  reviewing applications, the RVRDA and the St. Lawrence County Industrial Development Agency Local Development Corporation will give priority to those projects which most clearly support and advance community development, environmental improvement, and employment opportunities and projects that propose to use the program to leverage funds from federal, State, and regional programs, foundations, or other sources.

The funding for the program was originally provided by the New York Power Authority. Previously funded applicants and projects include the Massena Police Activities League, the Massena Arts and Theatre Association, the Norwood Village Green Concert Series, the St. Lawrence River Walleye Association, the St. Lawrence County Fire Training Center, the Frederic Remington Art Museum, the Morristown Gateway Museum, the North Country Children’s Museum, the St. Lawrence Power and Equipment Museum, and the CDL-A Driver program at the SUNY Canton CREST Center.

The program has also funded tourism and trail development activities, including fishing promotional activities for Black Lake, the BassMaster Elite Tournaments, the Iroquois Horse Trail project, the Lisbon Town Beach, the St. Lawrence County Wine Trail, the Blueway Trail Corridor, and the St. Lawrence County Multi-Use Recreational Trail System.

Applicants and their proposed project(s) must be principally located in St. Lawrence County. The level and form of assistance provided by the Community Development and Environmental Improvement Fund will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may include loans, grants, or other types of financial assistance. Funds may be used for real estate acquisition, building construction and rehabilitation, machinery and equipment, and promotional expenses. Funds generally may not be used to fund normal operating costs.

For further information about the program, or to request an application, please contact the St. Lawrence County Industrial Development Agency at 315-379-9806 or info@slcida.com. The application can also be accessed via the web at www.slcida.com/rvrda.